CTC approves $61.3 million for SFMTA Central Subway Project

California Transportation Commission unanimously approved a commitment of $61.3 million in state high-speed rail connectivity funds to the The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Central Subway Project.

"We thank our state funding partners for their consistent and strong support as we work to improve San Francisco's public transportation system and enhance our regional transit network," said San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee. "By providing a convenient transfer to California's high-speed rail service, the Central Subway will be a key component in improving mobility, reducing emissions and better connecting our city."

The Central Subway, which will extend the Muni Metro T Third Line from the Caltrain station at 4th and King streets through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown, will offer direct and proximate access to the proposed blended high-speed rail system at 4th and King streets. The Central Subway ties directly into the future high-speed rail service at 4th and King station and it will also be just three blocks from the Transbay Transit Center, the planned terminus for high-speed rail. When the Central Subway is completed, it will provide significant light-rail connectivity for high-speed rail and Transbay Transit Center patrons, enabling travel throughout San Francisco.

The connectivity funding comes from the state High Speed Rail Train Bond Program, approved by voters as Proposition 1A in 2008. The program will invest $950 million in capital improvements to rail lines around the state.

The $61.3 million in Proposition 1A state bond funds is part of a funding plan that includes $942 million in federal New Starts funds for the Central Subway project.